A conversation with Eunbie Coe about security, “daughter from California syndrome”, minimizing burden, Wellesley’s motto, convalescent homes, her mission, and thicker blood.

A conversation with Emily Plotkin about queer death studies, sitting shiva, being alone with yourself, the way you use limited energy, the end of an old movie, what should happen to her journals, and dreaming of dying.

A conversation with Erin about waking up when you die, searching for her funeral venue, living in Mexico, Norway, and Singapore, having your ducks in a row, her first Christmas, the phantom of the opera, and a cliffhanger decision.

A conversation with George about muddy cemeteries in China, a memorial Meatball Parm, one-liners, Mackie’s death, supporting mourners, his ceramics mugs, lacking motivations, Me & U, and his mother.

A conversation with Premchai Bunsermvicha mostly about asking hard questions, Thai funeral wreaths, Margaret Mead, a sense of duty, Ender’s Game, sustainability, my interview themes, and servons.

A conversation with Adria about anthems, scrupulosity, Chickasaw and Mormon traditions, The Good Place, eternity, grief counseling, and lockets,

A conversation with Sophie Finn about park benches, reincarnation, belonging to each other, Ali Wong, spirituality, not missing anything meant for you, and tiny desk concerts.

A conversation with Amey Zhang about Thanatology, speed-dating at a funeral, suicide and septic shock, tricking herself, letting her friends DJ, her hands, wild animals, and the grace of life.

A conversation with Mason Bryan about a slaughtered cow, a reinvigorating funeral, great intention, letters of affection, what nourishes him, the isle of langerhans, secular faith, and what simultaneously gives him life and takes it away.

A conversation with Alexis Hill about Georgian cemeteries, static remains, an open-door ceremony, making amends, obituaries being stilted or reductive, and her wishes.